Recent articles by Elizabeth Daigneau from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87483577 Elizabeth Daigneau is GOVERNING's managing editor. How Milwaukee Became a Center for Water Innovation http://www.governing.com/topics/transportation-infrastructure/gov-milwaukee-water-innovation-center.html The world needs water. Milwaukee not only has lots of it, but it also has transformed itself into a hub for water research and technology. Africa Shows the Power of Growing Trees from Seed http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-niger-shows-tree-growing-power.html Storms, disease and the rigors of urban life have caused high mortality rates among trees in the United States. African countries found trees that sprout naturally are more resilient. Chicago’s Battle of the Roofs: Green vs. White http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-battle-of-roofs-chicago.html Two public buildings competed to see which type of roof would reduce their electric bill the most. The result may surprise you. Microgrid Technology Faces Its 1st Big Test http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-microgrid-technology-faces-big-test.html After two storms left nearly 1 million Connecticut homes and businesses without power last year, the state began testing whether small electric grids can provide power even when the main grid loses it. Can Credit-Exchange Programs Clean Up Lakes? http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-can-credit-exchange-programs-clean-lakes.html The concept has been used for the past 40 years as a means of restoring the health of rivers, streams, lakes and oceans -- but it's getting new attention. About Governing Generations http://www.governing.com/generations/government-management/Governing-Generations-The-Project.html Governing is launching a multiple-part series on aging in America. Beginning in September and continuing for the next few months, we're exploring the impact of this generational shift through in-depth stories in the magazine as well as additional data and interactive content at governing.com/generations. Colleges Beef Up Sustainability Degree Programs http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-colleges-beef-up-sustainability-programs.html Nearly 60 percent of all new academic programs or training opportunities in 2011 focused on green careers, which are in demand now more than ever. What Birds Indicate About Home Values http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-what-birds-indicate-about-home-values.html New research shows that lots of birds in an area can mean higher property values. Cities Get Green Certifications for More Than Just Buildings http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-cities-get-green-certifications-for-more-than-buildings.html Cities and counties can now earn eco-certification for everything from the roads they build to the vehicles that ride on them. Cities Tout Municipal Tap Water as Better Than Bottled http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-cities-tout-municipal-tap-water-as-better-than-bottled.html Municipal drinking water is safer, more cost effective and better for the environment -- three facts cities want their residents to know. States Ease Farmers Markets Food-Safety Regulations http://www.governing.com/topics/economic-dev/gov-states-ease-farmers-markets-food-safety-regulations.html The number of farmers markets has exploded in recent years, and states want to make sure they stay in business. Curbside Composting Added to a Major City: Is It Yours? http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-curbside-composting-added-to-major-city.html Nearly 100 cities now divert food waste from landfills. It’s far from becoming the norm, though, considering most major cities still don’t even have curbside recycling. Legislative Issues to Watch in 2012 http://www.governing.com/topics/politics/lawmaking/gov-legislative-issues-to-watch-2012.html These nine topics will shape debate in state legislatures in 2012. Utah Envisions a Sustainable Future http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/gov-utah-envisions-sustainable-future.html The public-private partnership, Envision Utah, is a national model for cities grappling with how to ease congestion, stop sprawl and clean the air. Greening the Corporate Bottom Line http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/greening-corporate-bottom-line.html Companies are legally obligated to try to maximize profits. Some states are creating companies that can also factor employees, the community and the environment into financial decisions.